The new entrepreneurship hub, SparkHaus, is under construction on Madison Avenue in Covington, Kentucky. It is the result of a partnership between Kenton County, the Northern Kentucky Port Authority, and Blue North. When it opens in August, SparkHaus will offer the resources and connections necessary for entrepreneurs in Northern Kentucky to build community-changing businesses.
Cov Creates, a collective of Covington-based marketing and design firms, played a significant role in the development of SparkHaus. The collective was founded in 2016 by Jackie Roberto, inspired by the spirit of collaboration she experienced at the University of Cincinnati’s DAAP program. Cov Creates initially started as an informal gathering intended to bring together professionals and gradually evolved into a platform for professional growth marked by panel discussions and project showcases.
Dave Knox, Executive Director of Blue North, decided to involve Cov Creates in developing the brand identity for SparkHaus. Agencies like Madison, Agnt, and Durham were brought in to contribute their expertise in voice, tone, and visual design. The branding took inspiration from the building’s past as a Montgomery Ward department store, integrating elements such as the structure’s original window design and the "Spirit of Progress" icon.
"Meeting fellow creatives not only fosters collaboration, but also community and connection," Roberto said. Jenna Marino, head of design at AGNT, emphasized the collaborative effort, stating, “SparkHaus was born and amongst the grit and grind of Covington—working collaboratively with the best, in rooms where ideas were loud and real creativity took shape.”
Austin Dunbar, founder and principal of Durham, shared that their contribution went beyond design by reflecting the history of the building and honoring the region’s entrepreneurial past. “Our interior mural installations and graphic considerations honor the building’s history as the Covington Industrial Club and entrepreneurs of yesteryear—providing the spark for the innovators and dreamers of today to define what’s next for our region,” Dunbar stated.
SparkHaus will cover over 40,000 square feet, making it the largest dedicated entrepreneurship hub in Kentucky. It is expected to host between 200 and 300 individuals each day. Construction is being handled by Urban Sites, with City Studios as the architect.
In summary, SparkHaus represents a collective effort to harness creative energy in Northern Kentucky, creating a space where entrepreneurial spirit can thrive.